Use of aqueous drift-reducing compositions

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the use of compositions which contain A) one or more copolymers, said copolymers containing one or more structural units resulting from a) 19.9 to 75.9 wt.-% of glycerin, b) 0.1 to 30 wt.-% of at least one dicarboxylic acid, and c) 24 to 80 wt.-% of at least one monocarboxylic acid according to formula (I): R1—COOH, wherein R1 is (C5-C29) alkyl; (C7-C29) alkenyl; phenyl or naphthyl, and B) water for reducing drift during the application of a spray emulsion that contains one or more pesticides.

The invention relates to the use of compositions comprising certaincopolymers and water for reducing drift on application of a spray liquorcomprising one or more pesticides, and to a method for reducing drift onapplication of spray liquors comprising one or more pesticides.

Plant protection agents are applied to agricultural production fields ina very efficient manner employing spray tanks in aircraft, tractors orother devices. In order to achieve the most accurate placing possible ofthe active substances, it is necessary to obtain the narrowest possiblespray cone and to avoid drifting of the spray mist out of the targetlocation.

The drift of the spray cone is substantially determined by the dropletsize distribution. The smaller the droplets, the longer the dwell timein the air and the greater the tendency to evaporate and/or to drifthorizontally and to miss the target location. It is known from theliterature that the fine drop content of <150 μm (Teske et al., 2004,The Role of Small Droplets in Classifying Drop Size Distributions, ILASSAmericas 17th Annual Conference, Arlington Va.), in particular <100 μm(Vermeer et al., Proc. ISAA 2013, The use of adjvanted formulations fordrift control), determines the content of the droplets in the spray conewhich contributes towards the drift effect. Reduction of the fine dropcontent in the spray mist is therefore decisive for reducing drift andis therefore used to determine the drift properties of a composition.

A significant minimizing of the drift effect can be achieved by additionof suitable “drift control agents” to pesticide formulations, thesehaving the effect of increasing the size of the droplets in the spraymist. The formulations modified with “drift control agents” mustmoreover be insensitive to the shear forces to which they are exposed inspray pumps and nozzles. Good biodegradability, compatibility with otherconstituents of the plant protection compositions and a high storagestability and temperature stability are further requirements of “driftcontrol agents”. It is known that the rheology of aqueous compositionscan be modified by addition of water-soluble polymers, for examplepolyacrylamides, acrylamide/acrylic acid polymers, sodium polyacrylate,carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose,polysaccharides, natural and synthetic guar gum (U.S. Pat. Nos.4,413,087, 4,505,827, 5,874,096).

Polymers of acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and acrylamide andthe use thereof as drift-reducing adjuvants are known from WO2001/060877.

Although good results are already achieved with the known systems, fortechnical, economic and ecological reasons efforts are continuing to bemade to discover suitable “drift control agents” which also effectivelyincrease the size of the droplet volumes of the aqueous compositionsunder conditions in practice and reduce drifting of the spray cone.

It has now been found, surprisingly, that compositions comprising A)certain copolymers based on polyglycerol and B) water are suitable asdrift-reducing compositions for plant protection agents and duringspraying of plant protection agents comprising such compositions havethe effect of increasing the size of the particles and reducing thespray cone.

The invention therefore provides the use of compositions comprising

-   A) one or more copolymers, wherein the copolymers comprise one or    more structural units originating from    -   a) 19.9 to 75.9 wt. % of glycerol    -   b) 0.1 to 30 wt. % of at least one dicarboxylic acid and    -   c) 24 to 80 wt. % of at least one monocarboxylic acid according        to formula (I)        R′—COOH  (I)    -   wherein R¹ represents (C₅-C₂₉)-alkyl; (C₇-C₂₉)-alkenyl; phenyl        or naphthyl,        and-   B) Water    for reducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising one    or more pesticides.

In the context of the present invention the compositions used accordingto the invention comprising the one or more copolymers of component A)and water of component B) are called “drift-reducing composition” or“drift-reducing compositions” in the following.

“Drift” in the context of the invention is understood as meaning theeffect that during spraying of the plant protection agent small dropletsform which can be carried beyond the area to be treated and in this waycan make the spraying less effective or even harmful to adjacent areasand crops.

In the context of the present invention drift reduction is understood asmeaning preferably the reduction in the content of the fine drops havinga diameter of <105 μm in the spray mist compared with application of anagent which does not comprise the drift-reducing composition, preferablyby at least 10% and particularly preferably by at least 25%.

In the context of the invention “application” of a spray liquorcomprising one or more pesticides is understood as meaning theapplication of an aqueous spray liquor comprising one or more pesticidesto the plants to be treated or the location thereof.

Preferably, the drift-reducing compositions comprise water in an amountof greater than 1.0 wt. %, particularly preferably greater than or equalto 2 wt. %, especially preferably greater than or equal to 5 wt. % andexceptionally preferably greater than or equal to 10 wt. %, in each casebased on the total weight of the drift-reducing composition.

In copolymer component A) the contents mentioned for monomers a), b) andc) (in wt. %) relate to the total amount of the monomers such as havebeen employed for the preparation of the copolymers. They do not relateto the final composition of the copolymers, which deviates slightly fromthis due to the splitting of water liberated during the condensation.

The compositions of the copolymers which are possible in principle, andthe preparation and embodiments of the copolymerization are described inEP 1 379 129. They all have in common that the condensation reactionsproceed between alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, i.e. the monomers arebonded to one another by ether bonds (in the case of the condensation oftwo alcohol functions of the glycerol) or by ester bonds (in the case ofcondensation of one alcohol function of the glycerol with a carboxylicacid function of the mono- or dicarboxylic acid).

The copolymers A) are preferably prepared by first subjectingmonoglycerol to a condensation reaction to give an oligo- orpolyglycerol and only then reacting the product with the at least onedicarboxylic acid b) and the at least one monocarboxylic acid c). Thishas the effect that in this preferred embodiment of the invention thecopolymers A) comprise condensed oligo- or polyglycerol units.

The at least one dicarboxylic acid b) is preferably oxalic acid, adicarboxylic acid according to formula (II)HOOC—R²—COOH  (II)and/or a dicarboxylic acid according to formula (III)

wherein R² represents a (C₁-C₄₀)-alkylene bridge, a (C₂-C₂₀)-alkenylenebridge or a mono- or dihydroxy-substituted (C₂-C₂₀)-alkylene bridge andR represents H, (C₁-C₂₀)-alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)-alkenyl, phenyl, benzyl,halogen, —NO₂, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, —CHO or —CO((C₁-C₆)-alkyl).

Particularly preferably, the at least one dicarboxylic acid b) isphthalic acid, itaconic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acidand/or adipic acid.

The at least one monocarboxylic acid c) is preferably one or more fattyacids having 8 to 24, preferably 12 to 22, carbon atoms, particularlypreferably one or more saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids selectedfrom the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid,myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, archaic acid, behenic acid,palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures of such fattyacids, such as e.g. tallow fatty acids and coconut fatty acids.

Particularly preferably, the at least one dicarboxylic acid b) isphthalic acid and the at least one monocarboxylic acid c) is a coconutfatty acid.

Especially preferably, the copolymers A) are based on 34.0 to 62.0 wt. %of glycerol, 0.2 to 21.0 wt. % of phthalic acid and 24.0 to 54.0 wt. %of coconut fatty acid.

The average degree of condensation of glycerol in the one or morecopolymers of component A) is preferably between 4 and 10.

Copolymers 1 to 7 listed in the examples part are especially preferred.

Preferably, the one or more copolymers A) consists or consist ofcomponents a), b) and c).

The majority of the raw materials which are required for the preparationof the copolymers originate from regenerable raw material sources.Glycerol is currently a by-product of biodiesel production and themonocarboxylic acids are obtained from animal or plant fats or oils.Only the dicarboxylic acid is conventionally of synthetic origin.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the content of the one ormore copolymers of component A) in the drift-reducing compositions ispreferably 1 to 90 wt. %, particularly preferably 10 to 80 wt. % andespecially preferably 20 to 70 wt. % and the content of component B) ispreferably 10 to 99 wt. %, particularly preferably 20 to 90 wt. % andespecially preferably 30 to 80 wt. %, in each case based on the totalweight of the drift-reducing compositions.

In addition to the one or more copolymers of component A) and water B),the drift-reducing compositions can comprise one or more auxiliarysubstances and additives.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions therefore comprise one or more auxiliary substances andadditives (component C)).

The one or more auxiliary substances and additives can assume variousfunctions in the drift-reducing compositions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention thedrift-reducing compositions comprise one or more auxiliary substancesand additives, wherein these are selected from the group consisting ofadjuvants, cosolvents, emulsifiers, defoamers, urea, preservatives,solubilizing agents, wetting agents, penetration promoters, salts andsurfactants and are preferably selected from the group consisting ofadjuvants, cosolvents, defoamers, urea, preservatives, salts andsurfactants.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention thedrift-reducing compositions comprise one or more auxiliary substancesand additives, wherein these are selected from the group consisting ofadjuvants, defoamers, preservatives and surfactants.

In a further especially preferred embodiment of the invention thedrift-reducing compositions comprise one or more auxiliary substancesand additives, wherein these are selected from the group consisting ofadjuvants, cosolvents and salts, preferably selected from the groupconsisting of adjuvants and cosolvents and particularly preferablyselected from adjuvants.

In a further especially preferred embodiment of the invention thedrift-reducing compositions comprise one or more auxiliary substancesand additives, wherein these are selected from the group consisting ofurea and salts (such as, for example, agrochemical salts) and preferablyare selected from salts.

The adjuvants optionally contained in the drift-reducing compositionscan be a single adjuvant or a mixture of two or more adjuvants. Examplesof adjuvants are fatty amine ethoxylates, ether-amine ethoxylates,alkylbetaines, amidoalkylbetaines, amine oxides, amidoalkylamine oxides,phosphoric acid ester derivatives, alkyl polyglycosides and/oralkylglucamides. Such adjuvants are described, for example, in WO2009/029561.

The cosolvents optionally contained in the drift-reducing compositionscan be a single solvent or a mixture of two or more solvents. All thepolar solvents which are compatible with the drift-reducing compositionsand form a homogeneous phase, and in particular also in the case wherethe drift-reducing compositions are to comprise one or more pesticides,are suitable for this. Suitable cosolvents are, for example, monohydricalcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, benzylalcohol, or polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol or glycerol, orpolyglycols, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or mixedpolyalkylene glycols (PAGs). Further suitable solvents are ethers, suchas, for example, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycoldimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether or dipropyleneglycol dimethyl ether, or amides, such as, for example,N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, lactic acid dimethylamide,caprylic acid dimethylamide or decanoic acid dimethylamide.

Particularly suitable cosolvents are mono- or polyhydric alcohols, anddi- or trihydric alcohols are especially suitable, such as propyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol or polyethylene glycol,polypropylene glycol or mixed polyalkylene glycols (PAGs).

The defoamers optionally contained in the drift-reducing compositionscan be a single defoamer or a mixture of two or more defoamers. Suitabledefoamers are fatty acid alkyl ester alkoxylates, organopolysiloxanes,such as polydimethylsiloxanes and mixtures thereof with microfine,optionally silanized silica, perfluoroalkyl phosphonates, perfluoroalkylphosphinates, paraffins, waxes and microcrystalline waxes and mixturesthereof with silanized silica. Mixtures of various foam inhibitors, forexample those of silicone oil, paraffin oil and/or waxes, are alsoadvantageous.

The preservatives optionally contained in the drift-reducingcompositions can be a single preservative or a mixture of two or morepreservatives. Preservatives which can be employed are organic acids andtheir esters, for example ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, sorbate,benzoic acid, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate,propionates, phenol, 2-phenyl phenate, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one,formaldehyde, sulfurous acid and salts thereof.

The salts optionally contained in the drift-reducing compositions can bea single salt or a mixture of two or more salts. Preferably, the saltsare agrochemical salts, particularly preferably one or more ammoniumsalts. Among the ammonium salts, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate,ammonium phosphate, ammonium thiocyanate and/or ammonium chloride are inturn preferred.

The surfactants optionally contained in the drift-reducing compositionscan be a single surfactant or a mixture of two or more surfactants. Thesurfactants can generally be all the nonionic, amphoteric, cationic oranionic surfactants which are compatible with the drift-reducingcomposition, and in particular also in the case where the drift-reducingcompositions are to comprise one or more pesticides.

Examples of nonionic surfactants are EO/PO block copolymers (EO:ethylenoxy unit; PO: propylenoxy unit), alkoxylates, such as, forexample, ethoxylates of longer-chain aliphatic alcohols (e.g.alkoxylates and specifically ethoxylates of linear or branched C₈ toC₂₄-alcohols) or of aromatic alcohols (e.g. alkylphenol alkoxylates,such as, for example, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tristyrylphenolalkoxylates, such as, for example, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, andtri-sec-butylphenol ethoxylates), castor oil ethoxylates, esters oflong-chain carboxylic acids with mono- or polyhydric alcohols andethoxylation products thereof, optionally ethoxylates sorbitan esters,alkyl polyglycosides, fatty amine ethoxylates, longer-chain ether-aminealkoxylates and glucamides. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are, forexample, long-chain alkyldimethylbetaines, alkyldimethylamine oxides oralkyldimethylamine-amidopropylamine oxides. Among the anionicsurfactants, for example, ether sulfates of ethoxylated fatty alcohols,reaction products of (optionally ethoxylated) long-chain alcohols withphosphoric acid derivatives, salts of dodecylbenzenesulfonic andsulfosuccinates are suitable. “Long-chain” is understood as meaninglinear or branched hydrocarbon chains having at least 6 and at most 22carbon atoms.

The auxiliary substances and additives, for example the cosolventsand/or the adjuvants, can additionally contribute towards stabilizing ofthe drift-reducing composition, in that, for example, these positivelyinfluence the low temperature or heat stability and the turbidity pointor further use properties, such as the viscosity.

In the context of the use according to the invention the drift-reducingcompositions, for example comprising one or more adjuvants, are alsosuitable e.g. in the application of spray liquors comprising one or morepesticides for improving the biological activity of herbicides,insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, bactericides, molluscicides,nematicides and rodenticides.

Preferably, the drift-reducing compositions comprise one or moreauxiliary substances and additives of component C), wherein in thedrift-reducing compositions

-   -   the content of the one or more copolymers of component A) is        preferably 1 to 89.9 wt. %, particularly preferably 2 to 60 wt.        % and especially preferably 5 to 50 wt. %,    -   the content of component B) is preferably 2 to 98.9 wt. %,        particularly preferably 3 to 90 wt. % and especially preferably        5 to 80 wt. % and    -   the content of the one or more auxiliary substances and        additives of component C) is preferably 0.1 to 70 wt. %,        particularly preferably 1 to 60 wt. % and especially preferably        5 to 50 wt. %.

These amounts data are in each case based on the total weight of thedrift-reducing compositions.

In an embodiment of the invention which is in turn preferred among thesethe content of water (component B)) in the drift-reducing compositionsjust mentioned comprising one or more auxiliary substances and additivesis 10 to 98.9 wt. %, preferably 20 to 90 wt. % and particularlypreferably 30 to 80 wt. %.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions comprise one or more pesticides and particularly preferablyone or more water-soluble pesticides. These “drift-reducing compositionscomprising one or more pesticides” are storage-stable. They likewisehave drift-reducing properties on application in the form of sprayliquors.

In the context of the present invention “pesticides” are understood asmeaning acaricides, bactericides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides,molluscicides, nematicides and rodenticides as well as phytohormones,such as plant growth regulators. Phytohormones control physiologicalreactions, such as growth, flowering rhythm, cell division and seedripening. An overview of the most relevant pesticides is to be found,for example, in “The Pesticide Manual” of the British Crop ProtectionCouncil, 16th edition 2012, editor: C. MacBean. Reference is herewithexpressly made to the active substances listed there. By reference, theyare a constituent of this description.

The pesticides which can be contained in the drift-reducing compositionscomprising one or more pesticides are preferably selected from the groupconsisting of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and plant growthregulators. Herbicides are particularly preferred.

Water-soluble pesticides in the context of the invention are to beunderstood as meaning pesticides which have a solubility at roomtemperature (25° C.) of more than 50 g/l and preferably more than 100g/l in water.

Preferably, the drift-reducing compositions comprise one or morewater-soluble pesticides, wherein the one or more water-solublepesticides are selected from the group consisting of water-solubleherbicides and particularly preferably are selected from the groupconsisting of the water-soluble acids and salts, preferably thewater-soluble salts, of acifluorfen, aminopyralid, amitrol, asulam,benazolin, bentazone, bialaphos, bicyclopyrone, bispyribac, bromacil,bromoxynil, chloramben, clopyralid, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, dicamba, dichlorprop,difenzoquat, diquat, endothal, fenoxaprop, flamprop, flumiclorac,fluoroglycofen, fomesafen, fosamine, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazameth,imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr,MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, octanoic acid, paraquat, pelargonic acid,picloram, quizalofop, 2,3,6-TBA and triclopyr.

The precise chemical composition and structure of all these compoundsare known and can be researched on the internet under:http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/index_cn_frame.html

Particularly preferably, the one or more water-soluble pesticidescontained in the drift-reducing compositions is or are selected from thegroup consisting of the water-soluble acids and salts, preferably thewater-soluble salts, of bentazone, 2,4-D, dicamba, fomesafen,glufosinate, glyphosate, MCPA and paraquat and especially preferablyselected from the water-soluble salts of dicamba.

The water-soluble salts of the one or more pesticides are in particularthe alkali metal and ammonium salts, and among these the potassium,ammonium, dimethylammonium, isopropylammonium, diglycolammonium and the(2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium salts are in turn preferred.

The water-soluble pesticides can also be a combination of two or morepesticides. Such combinations are of importance in particular if it is amatter of broadening the action spectrum of a composition comprising oneor more pesticides or of better suppressing resistances to certainpesticides.

In a further embodiment of the invention the drift-reducing compositionstherefore comprise at least two water-soluble pesticides.

Preferably, the at least two water-soluble pesticides are selected fromthe group consisting of the water-soluble acids and salts, preferablythe water-soluble salts, of 2,4-D, dicamba, fomesafen, glufosinate andglyphosate.

Particularly preferred drift-reducing compositions in this context arethose in which the at least two water-soluble pesticides are thecombinations of water-soluble acids and/or salts, preferably ofwater-soluble salts, of the two herbicides

a) glyphosate and 2,4-D or

b) glyphosate and dicamba or

c) glyphosate and fomesafen or

d) glyphosate and glufosinate or

e) 2,4-D and dicamba or

f) glufosinate and 2,4-D or

g) glufosinate and dicamba.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions comprise one or more pesticides, particularly preferablyone or more water-soluble pesticides, and one or more safeners. Thesafeners are preferably dispersed in these compositions. The one or moresafeners are preferably selected from the group consisting ofcloquintocet-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, isoxafenethyl and mefenpyr-diethyl.

Pesticides are conventionally employed in agriculture in the form ofliquid or solid concentrated preparations (formulations). These makehandling easier for the user in this way or ensure a higher activity ofthe active substance. The formulations are conventionally diluted withwater before use and then applied by spray application. The amountapplied during spray application is preferably 10-500 l/ha andparticularly preferably 50-150 I/ha.

One important form of pesticide preparations are water-solubleconcentrates (soluble liquids, abbreviated to SL). They play a majorrole in particular in the case of herbicides, wherein these are, forexample, 2,4-D, dicamba, glufosinate and/or glyphosate, and which areoften employed as water-soluble salts which are converted into theiralkali metal or ammonium salts by neutralization of the acid form ofthese herbicides with suitable bases.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides are present in the formof soluble liquids.

When formulating aqueous pesticide compositions efforts are made to loadthe composition with the highest possible concentration of activesubstance. This reduces packaging, transportation, storage and disposalcosts. An adjuvant composition should therefore be capable of renderingpossible stable highly loaded pesticide compositions, so-called“high-load formulations”. This is achieved surprisingly well with thedrift-reducing compositions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions comprise one or more water-soluble pesticides and the totalamount of the one or more water-soluble pesticides in the drift-reducingcompositions is greater than 100 g/l, preferably greater than 200 g/l,particularly preferably greater than 300 g/l and especially preferablygreater than 400 g/l. These amounts data relate to the total volume ofthe drift-reducing compositions.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the total amount ofthe one or more copolymers of component A) in the drift-reducingcompositions is from 10 to 250 g/l, preferably from 40 to 200 g/l andparticularly preferably from 50 to 150 g/l. These amounts data relate tothe total volume of the drift-reducing compositions, and preferably thedrift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides.

A particularly important criterion for the storage stability of aqueouspesticide compositions, such as, for example, 2,4-D, dicamba,glufosinate and/or glyphosate formulations, is the phase stability. Acomposition is regarded as sufficiently phase-stable if it remainshomogeneous over a wide temperature range and if formation of two ormore separate phases or precipitation (formation of a further solidphase) does not occur. Phase stability both at elevated temperature,such as can occur, for example, during storage in the sun or in hotcountries, and at low temperature, such as, for example, in winter or incold climatic regions, is the decisive prerequisite for a storage-stableformulation.

As already indicated above, soluble liquids (SL formulations) are animportant form of pesticide preparations.

An important criterion for the storage stability of SL formulations istheir phase stability. In this context the temperature range in which anSL formulation is phase-stable is important above all. The upper limitof the phase stability is the so-called turbidity point. This is thetemperature up to which an aqueous formulation can be heated withoutphase separation. Until the turbidity point is reached SL formulationsare present as clear homogeneous solutions. On heating to temperaturesabove the turbidity point the previously transparent formulationinitially clouds, the components which are no longer soluble separatefrom the solution, and on leaving to stand phase separation occurs.

The turbidity point of a composition is typically determined by heatingthe solution until clouding occurs. Thereafter, the composition isallowed to cool, while stirring and constantly controlling thetemperature. The temperature at which the clouded solution becomes clearagain is documented as the measurement value of the turbidity point.

The lower limit of the phase stability is important above all duringstorage in the cold, such as, for example, in winter. Phase separationor precipitation or crystallization can also occur if the phasestability falls below the lower limit.

The drift-reducing compositions, preferably the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides, are distinguished inthat they are also phase-stable at a temperature of preferably greaterthan 55° C., particularly preferably of greater than 70° C. andespecially preferably of greater than 80° C.

The drift-reducing compositions, preferably the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides, are moreoverdistinguished in that they are also phase-stable at a temperature ofpreferably less than 10° C., particularly preferably of less than 0° C.and especially preferably of less than −10° C.

The one or more copolymers of component A) conventionally have noadverse influence on the phase stability of the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides or on the turbidity pointthereof, and the turbidity point of these compositions can beestablished to the desired extent, for example, by the choice ofsuitable additives of component C).

The pH of the drift-reducing compositions comprising one or morepesticides is preferably in the range of from 3.5 to 8.0, particularlypreferably at 4.0 to 7.0 and especially preferably at 4.5 to 6.5(measured as a 1 wt. % strength aqueous dilution). The pH is primarilydetermined by the pH values of the solutions of the aqueous pesticides,which are often present as salts of weak acids. By addition of acids orbases the pH can be adjusted to a different value deviating from theoriginal pH of the mixture.

The high salt stability of the drift-reducing compositions comprisingone or more pesticides in the aqueous medium also at a high pesticideand salt concentration is a major use advantage. It also renders itpossible to accommodate agrochemical salts, such as, for example,fertilizers, simultaneously in the drift-reducing compositions.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides, preferably one or morewater-soluble pesticides, are present as concentrate formulations whichare diluted before use, in particular with water (for example“ready-to-use” “in-can” or “built-in” formulations), and comprise theone or more pesticides in amounts of from 5 to 80 wt. %, preferably from10 to 70 wt. % and particularly preferably from 20 to 60 wt. % and theone or more copolymers of component A) in amounts of from 1 to 25 wt. %,preferably from 2 to 20 wt. % and particularly preferably from 3 to 15wt. %. These amounts data relate to the total weight of the concentrateformulation.

The drift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides,preferably one or more water-soluble pesticides, can comprise one ormore auxiliary substances and additives. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention the drift-reducing compositions therefore comprise one ormore pesticides, preferably one or more water-soluble pesticides, andone or more auxiliary substances and additives. These auxiliarysubstances and additives are the same auxiliary substances and additiveswhich have already been described above under component C), and the sameauxiliary substances and additives which are already described above aspreferred under component C) are preferred.

The content of the one or more copolymers of component A) in thedrift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides,preferably one or more water-soluble pesticides, and particularlypreferably in those furthermore comprising one or more auxiliarysubstances and additives, is preferably 0.1 to 40 wt. %, particularlypreferably 0.5 to 30 wt. % and especially preferably 1 to 20 wt. %.These amounts data are based on the total weight of the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides and preferably one ormore water-soluble pesticides.

Furthermore, the content of the one or more pesticides in thedrift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides,preferably one or more water-soluble pesticides, and particularlypreferably in those furthermore comprising one or more auxiliarysubstances and additives, is preferably 0.1 to 75 wt. %, particularlypreferably 5 to 60 wt. % and especially preferably 10 to 50 wt. %. Theseamounts data are based on the total weight of the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides and preferably one ormore water-soluble pesticides.

In the drift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides,preferably one or more water-soluble pesticides, and one or moreauxiliary substances and additives

-   -   the content of the one or more copolymers of component A) is        preferably 0.1 to 40 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.5 to 30        wt. % and especially preferably 1 to 25 wt. %,    -   the content of the one or more pesticides, preferably of the one        or more water-soluble pesticides, is preferably 0.1 to 75 wt. %,        particularly preferably 5 to 60 wt. % and especially preferably        10 to 50 wt. % and    -   the content of the one or more auxiliary substances and        additives is preferably 0.1 to 30 wt. %, particularly preferably        0.5 to 25 wt. % and especially preferably 1 to 20 wt. %.

These amounts data are based on the total weight of the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides, and preferably one ormore water-soluble pesticides.

In an embodiment of the invention which is in turn preferred among thesethe content of water in the drift-reducing compositions just mentionedcomprising one or more pesticides and one or more auxiliary substancesand additives is 2 to 98.9 wt. %, preferably 3 to 90 wt. % andparticularly preferably 5 to 80 wt. %.

In a further embodiment of the invention which is in turn preferredamong these the content of water in the drift-reducing compositions justmentioned comprising one or more pesticides and one or more auxiliarysubstances and additives is 10 to 98.9 wt. %, preferably 20 to 90 wt. %and particularly preferably 30 to 80 wt. %.

Pesticide preparations are preferably applied to the fields in the formof spray liquors. In the context of the present invention variousprocedures can be followed here. The spray liquors can be prepared, forexample, by diluting concentrate formulations, in particulardrift-reducing compositions comprising one or more pesticides, with adefined amount of water (“in-can method”). However, the spray liquorscan also be prepared, for example, by combining a drift-reducingcomposition, preferably one which still comprises no pesticide, with atleast one or more pesticides and water directly before application tothe plants to be treated or the location thereof (“tank mix method”).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the spray liquorscomprise 0.01 to 10 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 3 wt. % and particularlypreferably 0.025 to 2 wt. % of the one or more pesticides, preferably ofthe one or more water-soluble pesticides, and 0.001 to 3 wt. %,preferably 0.005 to 1 wt. % and particularly preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% of the one or more copolymers of component A). The amounts data statedin each case relate to the total weight of the spray liquor.

The one or more pesticides contained in the spray liquor are preferablythose pesticides which have already been described above in connectionwith the “drift-reducing compositions comprising one or morepesticides”.

The use according to the invention takes place in particular in the useof spray liquors comprising one or more pesticides for controllingand/or for combating weeds, fungal diseases or insect attack.

The one or more copolymers of component A) can fulfill several purposesin the drift-reducing compositions, preferably the drift-reducingcompositions comprising one or more pesticides, and in the spray liquorscomprising one or more pesticides. Due to their chemical structure, theycan act above all as an emulsifier, wetting agent or dispersing agent.

The one or more copolymers of component A) can also contribute towardsincreasing the biological activity of the one or more pesticides, i.e.function as adjuvants. An adjuvant is understood as meaning auxiliarysubstances which increase the biological activity of the activesubstances without themselves displaying a biological action, forexample by improving the wetting, the retention or the uptake into theplant or the target organism.

Depending on the type of formulation, preparation of the drift-reducingcompositions and of the spray liquors is possible by various routes,which are adequately known to the person skilled in the art.

The invention also provides a method for reducing drift on applicationof a spray liquor comprising one or more pesticides by spraying on tothe plants to be treated or the location thereof, wherein the sprayliquor comprises a composition which is drift-reducing as describedabove.

The invention also provides a method for reducing drift on applicationof a spray liquor comprising one or more pesticides by spraying on tothe plants to be treated or the location thereof, wherein the sprayliquor has been prepared using a composition which is drift-reducing asdescribed above.

The spray liquors employed in the method according to the inventionpreferably comprise 0.01 to 10 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.02 to 3wt. % and especially preferably 0.025 to 2 wt. % of the one or morepesticides, preferably of the one or more water-soluble pesticides, andpreferably 0.001 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.005 to 1 wt. %and especially preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % of the one or morecopolymers of component A), in each case based on the total weight ofthe spray liquors.

The preferred embodiments given for the use according to the inventionare similarly preferred embodiments for the method according to theinvention.

EXAMPLES

The invention is illustrated in the following with the aid of exampleswhich, however, are in no way to be regarded as a limitation.

The percentage data stated in the following are percentage by weight(wt. %) unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The commercial products employed are:

-   Genamin® 267 amine ethoxylate from Clariant-   Synergen® GA C₈/C₁₀ alkyl-N-methylglucamide from Clariant-   Sterling Blue dicamba DGA herbicide formulation (480 g/l a.e.) from    Winfield-   DGA diglycolamine [2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol]-   Glyphosate IPA salt isopropylammonium salt of glyphosate

“a.e.” denotes “acid equivalent”

Preparation Examples A) General Instructions for the Preparation ofCopolymers 1 to 7

The copolymers are prepared in two steps, wherein in the first stepglycerol is subjected to a condensation reaction to give thecorresponding polyglycerol, which is then reacted with monocarboxylicacid and dicarboxylic acid to give the copolymer.

Preparation of polyglycerol (n=9.7): 2,000 g of glycerol and 6.0 g ofNaOH (50 wt. % strength in water) were heated to 270° C. in a stirredapparatus with a nitrogen inlet and water removal unit, while stirring.After a reaction time of 9 hours and a discharge of 444 g of water, asample was taken and the OH number was determined. The OH numberdetermined was 891 mg of KOH/g. This corresponds to an average degree ofcondensation n of 9.7 glycerol units.

Preparation of polyglycerol (n=5.0): 2,000 g of glycerol and 6.0 g ofNaOH (50 wt. % strength in water) were heated to 270° C. in a stirredapparatus with a nitrogen inlet and water removal unit, while stirring.After a reaction time of 4 hours and a discharge of 226 g of water, asample was taken and the OH number was determined. The OH numberdetermined was 1,009 mg of KOH/g. This corresponds to an average degreeof condensation n of 5.0 glycerol units.

The method described in DIN 53240 is used to determine the OH number.

Condensation of polyglycerol with mono- and dicarboxylic acid to givethe copolymer: The polyglycerol was introduced into a stirred containerwith a line for passing N₂ through and a water removal unit and coconutfatty acid (Cana) and phthalic acid were added. The reaction mixture wasthen heated to 220° C., while stirring, until the copolymer has an acidnumber of <1.00 mg KOH/g (three to nine hours)

The method described in DIN EN ISO 2114 is used to determine the acidnumber.

The absolute amounts employed for the monomers for the preparation ofcopolymers 1-7 and the percentage by weight composition of copolymers1-7 are given in Table 1.

The percentage by weight compositions of copolymers 1-7 stated in Table1 relate to the total amount of the monomers such as were employed forthe preparation of the copolymers. They do not relate to the finalcomposition of the copolymers, which deviates from this due to thesplitting of water liberated during the condensation.

TABLE 1 Composition of the copolymer: Coconut Phthalic Coconut Glyc-Phthalic fatty Glycerol acid fatty acid Co- erol acid acid contentcontent content polymer [g] n [g] [g] [wt. %] [wt. %] [wt. %] 1 460 5.01.7 408 52.9 0.2 46.9 2 460 5.0 17 408 52.0 1.9 46.1 3 218 9.7 40.4 98.861.0 11.3 27.7 4 460 5.0 166 204 55.4 20.0 24.6 5 218 9.7 83 98.8 54.520.8 24.7 6 460 5.0 166 408 44.5 16.1 39.5 7 460 5.0 166 712 34.4 12.453.2 n: average degree of condensation of the glycerol

B) Examples of Drift-Reducing Compositions Example DC1

70 wt. % of copolymer 3 are introduced into 30 wt. % of water, whilestirring.

A clear, brown highly viscous solution forms.

Example DC2

45 wt. % of copolymer 3 and 10 wt. % of dipropylene glycol areintroduced into 45 wt. % of water, while stirring. A clear, yellowishsolution forms.

Example DC3

45 wt. % of copolymer 3, 45 wt. % of Synergen GA and 5 wt. % ofpropylene glycol are introduced into 5 wt. % of water, while stirring. Aclear, yellowish solution forms.

Example DC4

30 wt. % of copolymer 3 and 30 wt. % of Genamin 267 are introduced into40 wt. % of water, while stirring. A clear, yellowish solution forms.

C) Examples of Drift-Reducing Compositions Comprising Pesticide ExamplePC1 Preparation of an Aqueous Pesticide Composition Based on Dicamba

A clear homogeneous aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 86 wt. %of an aqueous solution which comprises 480 g/l (a.e.) of dicamba DGAsalt (corresponds to approx. 708 g/l of the dicamba salt) and 14 wt. %of DC1. The composition comprises 10 wt. % of copolymer 3. Thecomposition was storage-stable for at least three months at temperaturesof −10° C., 0° C., 25° C. and 50° C.

Example PC2 Preparation of an Aqueous Pesticide Composition Based on IPAGlyphosate

A clear homogeneous aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 68.4 wt.% of an aqueous solution which comprises 565 g/l (a.e.) of IPAglyphosate salt (corresponds to approx. 763 g/l of the glyphosate salt)and 14 wt. % of DC1 and 15 wt. % of Genamin 267, and was topped up to100 wt. % with water.

The composition was storage-stable for at least three months attemperatures of −10° C., 0° C., 25° C. and 50° C.

Example PC3 Preparation of an Aqueous Pesticide Composition Based on IPAGlyphosate

A clear, homogeneous aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 68.4 wt.% of an aqueous solution which comprises 565 g/l (a.e.) of IPAglyphosate salt (corresponds to approx. 763 g/l of the glyphosate salt),and 14 wt. % of DC1 and 15 wt. % of Synergen GA, and was topped up to100 wt. % with water.

The composition was storage-stable for at least three months attemperatures of −10° C., 0° C., 25° C. and 50° C.

Example PC4 Preparation of an Aqueous Pesticide Composition Based onPotassium Glyphosate

A clear, homogeneous aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 73.5 wt.% of an aqueous solution which comprises 680 g/l (a.e.) of potassiumglyphosate salt (corresponds to approx. 833 g/l of the glyphosate salt),14 wt. % of DC1 and 10 wt. % of Synergen GA, and was topped up to 100wt. % with water.

The composition was storage-stable for at least three months attemperatures of −10° C., 0° C., 25° C. and 50° C.

D) Examples of Aqueous Spray Liquors Examples of Spray Liquors withDicamba

The composition of spray liquors A1-A6 is given in the following.

Spray liquor Dicamba DGA [g/l] Copolymer 3 [g/l] A1 3 0 A2 3 0.1 A3 30.25 A4 3 0.5 A5 3 1.0 A6 3 1.5

These spray liquors are prepared by mixing aqueous SL formulations whichcomprise 480 g/l (a.e.) of dicamba DGA salt (e.g. Sterling Blue fromWinfield), water or various concentrations of drift-reducing compositionDC1 and water.

The spray liquors can also be obtained from pesticide compositions, forexample similarly to Example PC1, by dilution with water.

Examples of Spray Liquors with IPA Glyphosate

The composition of spray liquors B1-B6 is given in the following.

Spray liquor IPA glyphosate [g/l] Copolymer 3 [g/l] B1 7 0 B2 7 0.1 B3 70.25 B4 7 0.5 B5 7 1.0 B6 7 1.5

These spray liquors are prepared by mixing an aqueous SL formulationwhich comprises 565 g/l (a.e.) of IPA glyphosate salt, water or variousconcentrations of drift-reducing composition DC1 and water.

The composition of spray liquors C₁-C₆ is given in the following.

Spray liquor Potassium glyphosate [g/l] Copolymer 3 [g/l] C1 10 0 C2 100.1 C3 10 0.25 C4 10 0.5 C5 10 1.0 C6 10 1.5

These spray liquors are prepared by mixing an aqueous SL formulationwhich comprises 680 g/l (a.e.) of potassium glyphosate salt, water orvarious concentrations of drift-reducing composition DC1 and water.

E) Use Examples

Measurement of the Drop Size Distribution

A Malvern Spraytec “real-time spray sizing system” was used to determinethe drop size distribution. For this, the system (STP5321, MalvernInstruments GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) was mounted in a spray booth ofour own construction with the option of being able to select sprayapplications of conventional practice under a freely adjustable pressurefor diverse hydraulic nozzles and freely adjustable distances(nozzle-target surface). The spray booth can be darkened and allinterfering parameters can be eliminated. The injector nozzle ID12002(Lechler) with relatively coarse drop sizes was used for themeasurements. The pressure established was varied and an averagepressure of 3 bar was kept constant for the measurements reported below.The temperature and relative atmospheric humidity varied between 21.5and 29° C. and, respectively, 33% and 56%. In each test series tap waterand a spray liquor with pesticide but without drift-reducingcomposition, as internal standards, were always measured. The Spraytecmeasurement was carried out at the setting of 1 kHz, since measurementsat 2.5 kHz or higher, like other influencing variables such asadditional suction, proved to be negligible. The measurement in thespray mist was kept constant at a position with distances of exactly29.3 cm to the nozzle and 0.4 cm from the perpendicular under thenozzle. The measurements were carried out within 5 seconds and the meanof 6 repeats is reported as the volume content of the drops ofdiameter<90 μm (“vol 90”), <105 μm (“vol 105”) and <150 μm (“vol 150”)(percentage standard error 0.5-2.5%). As a further measurement parameterthe volume content of drops of diameter <210 μm was determined (“vol210”) and related to the volume content of the drops of diameter <105 μm(“vol 210/vol 105”). The percentage reduction in the volume content ofthe drops of diameter <105 μm using the drift-reducing compositionscompared with the use of the comparison compositions A1, B1 and C1 wasfurthermore calculated (“red 105”).

Use Example 1

Drop size distribution injector nozzle (under 3 bar) using spray liquorsA1-A6.

Red Spray Vol 90 Vol 105 Vol 150 Vol 210/ 105 liquid [vol. %] [vol. %][vol. %] vol 150 Nozzle [%] Water 2.56 3.92 8.31 3.63 ID12002 — A1 3.725.20 9.63 3.17 ID12002 — (comparison) A2 1.71 2.62 4.78 3.16 ID12002 52(invention) A3 1.75 2.59 4.94 3.10 ID12002 50 (invention) A4 1.59 2.364.47 3.10 ID12002 55 (invention) A5 1.58 2.29 4.06 2.83 ID12002 56(invention) A6 1.40 2.03 3.62 2.93 ID12002 61 (invention)

Use Example 2

Drop size distribution injector nozzle (under 3 bar) using spray liquorsB1-B6.

Red Spray Vol 90 Vol 105 Vol 150 Vol 210/ 105 liquid [vol. %] [vol. %][vol. %] vol 150 Nozzle [%] Water 2.58 3.93 8.37 3.69 ID12002 — B1 2.203.33 6.96 3.63 ID12002 — (comparison) B2 1.66 2.44 4.52 3.01 ID12002 27(invention) B3 1.55 2.28 4.19 2.94 ID12002 31 (invention) B4 1.44 2.093.69 2.82 ID12002 37 (invention) B5 1.30 1.87 3.22 2.86 ID12002 44(invention) B6 1.21 1.75 3.04 2.94 ID12002 47 (invention)

Use Example 3

Drop size distribution injector nozzle (under 3 bar) using spray liquorsC₁-C₆.

Red Vol 90 Vol 105 Vol 150 Vol 210/ 105 Spray liquid [vol. %] [vol. %][vol. %] vol 150 Nozzle [%] Water 2.53 3.88 8.26 3.66 ID12002 — C1 2.013.03 6.25 3.58 ID12002 — (comparison) C2 1.49 2.22 4.11 2.93 ID12002 27(invention) C3 1.50 2.22 4.02 2.82 ID12002 27 (invention) C4 1.43 2.103.70 2.75 ID12002 31 (invention) C5 1.30 1.88 3.17 2.60 ID12002 38(invention) C6 1.24 1.79 3.04 2.79 ID12002 41 (invention)

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing drift on applicationof a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticide, comprising the stepof including at least one drift reducing composition comprising A) atleast one copolymer, wherein the copolymer is a copolymer of a) 19.9 to75.9 wt. % of glycerol b) 0.1 to 30 wt. % of at least one dicarboxylicacid selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, a dicarboxylicacid according to formula (II)HOOC—R²—COOH  (II) and a dicarboxylic acid according to formula (III)

and mixtures thereof, wherein R² is a (C₁-C₄₀) alkylene bridge or a(C₂-C₂₀) alkylene bridge or a mono or dihydroxy-substituted(C₂-C₂₀)-alkylene bridge and R represents H, a (C₁-C₂₀)-alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)-alkenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, halogen, —NO₂,(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, —CHO, or —CO((C₁-C₆)-alkyl), and (c) 24 to 80 wt. % ofat least one monocarboxylic acid according to formula (I)R¹—COOH  (I) wherein R¹—COOH is a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbonatoms, wherein the wt % are based on the total weight of the monomersa), b), and c) and B) water in the spray liquor comprising at least onepesticide.
 2. The method for reducing drift on application of a sprayliquor comprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe composition comprises water in an amount of greater than 1.0 wt. %and less than 99 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. 3.The method for reducing drift on application of a spray liquorcomprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one dicarboxylic acid b) is phthalic acid and the at least onemonocarboxylic acid c) is a coconut fatty acid.
 4. The method forreducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising at least onepesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the drift reducingcomposition the content of the at least one copolymer of component A) is1 to 90 wt. %, and the content of component B) is 10 to 99 wt. % basedon the total weight of the drift reducing composition.
 5. The method forreducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising at least onepesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drift reducing compositionfurther comprises at least one auxiliary substance or at least oneadditive or mixtures thereof (component C).
 6. The method for reducingdrift on application of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticideas claimed in claim 5, wherein the content of the at least one copolymerof component A) is 1 to 89.9 wt. %, the content of component B) is 2 to98.9 wt. %, and the content of component C) is 0.1 to 70 wt. %, in eachcase based on the total weight of the drift reducing composition.
 7. Themethod for reducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising atleast one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onepesticide is selected from the group consisting of water-solublepesticides.
 8. The method for reducing drift on application of a sprayliquor comprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 7, whereinthe spray liquor comprises at least two water-soluble pesticides.
 9. Themethod for reducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising atleast one pesticide as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least twowater-soluble pesticides are selected from the group consisting of thewater-soluble acids and salts thereof.
 10. A method for reducing drifton application of a spray liquor comprising at least two pesticidescomprising the step of including at least one drift reducing compositioncomprising A) at least one copolymer, wherein the copolymer is acopolymer of a) 19.9 to 75.9 wt. % of glycerol b) 0.1 to 30 wt. % of atleast one dicarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of oxalicacid, a dicarboxylic acid according to formula (II)HOOC—R²—COOH  (II) and a dicarboxylic acid according to formula (III)

and mixtures thereof, wherein R² is a (C₁-C₄₀) alkylene bridge or a(C₂-C₂₀) alkylene bridge or a mono or dihydroxy-substituted(C₂-C₂₀)-alkylene bridge and R represents H, a (C₁-C₂₀)-alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)-alkenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, halogen, —NO₂,(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, —CHO, or —CO((C₁-C₆)-alkyl), and (c) 24 to 80 wt. % ofat least one monocarboxylic acid according to formula (I)R¹—COOH  (I) wherein R¹—COOH is a fatty acid having 8 to 24 carbonatoms, wherein the wt % are based on the total weight of the monomersa), b), and c) and B) water in the spray liquor comprising at least twopesticides, wherein the at least two pesticides are a combination ofwater-soluble acids and/or salts, and wherein the combination isselected from the group consisting of a) glyophosphate and 2,4-D, b)glyophosphate and dicamba, c) glyophosphate and fomesafen, d)glyophosphate and glufosinate, e) 2,4-D and dicamba, f) glufosinate and2,4-D, and g) glufosinate and dicamba.
 11. The method for reducing drifton application of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticide asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the spray liquor includes at least onesafener.
 12. The method for reducing drift on application of a sprayliquor comprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe total amount of the at least one copolymer of component A) in thedrift reducing composition is from 10 to 50 g/l, based on the totalvolume of the spray liquor.
 13. The method for reducing drift onapplication of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticide asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the content of the at least one copolymer ofcomponent A) is 0.1 to 40 wt. %, the content of the at least onepesticide, is 0.1 to 75 wt. %, and the content of the at least oneauxiliary substance or additive is 0.1 to 30 wt. %, in each case basedon the total weight of the composition.
 14. The method for reducingdrift on application of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticideas claimed in claim 1, wherein the spray liquor comprises 0.01 to 10 wt.% of the at least one pesticide, and 0.001 to 3 wt. % of the at leastone polymer of component A), in each case based on the total weight ofthe spray liquor.
 15. The method for reducing drift on application of aspray liquor comprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1,wherein R¹—COOH is a fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.
 16. Themethod for reducing drift on application of a spray liquor comprising atleast one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onedicarboxylic acid b) is phthalic acid.
 17. The method for reducing drifton application of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticide asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one dicarboxylic acid b) isphthalic acid, itaconic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acidand/or adipic acid.
 18. The method for reducing drift on application ofa spray liquor comprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1,wherein the at least one monocarboxylic acid c) is a coconut fatty acid.19. The method for reducing drift on application of a spray liquorcomprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecopolymer A) is a copolymer of 34.0 to 62.0 wt. % of glycerol, 0.2 to21.0 wt. % of the at least one dicarboxylic acid, and 24.0 to 54.0 wt. %of the at least one monocarboxylic acid.
 20. The method for reducingdrift on application of a spray liquor comprising at least one pesticideas claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one dicarboxylic acid isphthalic acid and the at least one monocarboxylic acid is coconut fattyacid.
 21. The method for reducing drift on application of a spray liquorcomprising at least one pesticide as claimed in claim 1, wherein thespray liquor comprises 0.01 to 10 wt. % of the at least one pesticide,and 0.001 to 3 wt. % of the at least one polymer of component A), ineach case based on the total weight of the spray liquor.